iPad Pro 11" 3rd generation getting stuck on long press mode on home screen

Yea, the official apple keyboard. I kinda figured it could be a key, but didn’t get further than that. I’d like to know!

I have this same problem with my 12.9" 3rd generation iPad pro with the official Apple keyboard.

I found that occasionally, (with the keyboard attached) I will unlock the iPad and try to open an app with a short tap--only to be instead greeted by the "long press menu."

The solution I have been using for months now is just removing the keyboard. As soon as I take it off, things work as expected. I can put it back on and things continue to behave normally.

I'm wondering if disconnecting the keyboard triggers some kind of refresh, maybe that's why it works. I could also see it being a key like LettiLime mentioned. In any case, it's just annoying enough for me to go look for someone else with the same problem online after encountering the issue for 6+ months of owning it.

As described, you may be lingering too long. A tap should open the App; by contrast, touch-and-hold (i.e., a long touch) will instead trigger the associated Action Menu.

You may find the a refinement of your iPad settings will help...:

Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Haptic Touch > Touch Duration - set to Slow

Begin with a forced-restart of your iPad - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

After performing the factory reset, you can restore your data and settings from your backup. However, as a diagnostic exercise, you would be best advised to initially setup the iPad as new without restoring your backup. If the problem can be demonstrated to have been resolved, you may then restore the backup:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

this solution of restarting the device is the inconvenient fix gauthierkk mentioned.

it’s beyond a “you’re just tapping too long- adjust your iPad setting” solution as well

what we’re saying is, in everyday use (just happened to me) I unlocked my iPad as usual- went to tap on an app as usual- and it would respond to my normally lengthened tap as a long press instead. No matter how quickly I tapped, no matter where I tapped.

The only fix we’re finding is to restart the device. But we’re looking for a WHY this is randomly occurring- for me about 3x/week, or how to avoid this reoccurrence.

thank you